Judge Vows to Investigate Google for Intentionally Destroying Chats ⇥ theverge.com

Sean Hollister, the Verge:

On Friday, Judge Donato vowed to investigate Google for intentionally and systematically suppressing evidence, calling the company’s conduct “a frontal assault on the fair administration of justice.” We were there in the courtroom for his explanation.

“I am going to get to the bottom of who is responsible,” he said, adding he would pursue these issues “on my own, outside of this trial.”

The incidents of apparent evidence destruction — which have surfaced during both recent Google trials — are matched only by very smart executives playing dumb in court, as though everyone involved simply could not know any better. Quite the audacious plan. Everyone knows judges love to have their patience tested.